BoddaH1994

According to Kinzel on his conference call they removed X-Flight and Steel Venom to, "Create a more welcoming extrance to the park." Take that for what it's worth. Ryan

If I had to put a figure on it, I'd say the ride is about 75% complete as far as vertical construction is concerned.

I swear we spoil you people. Know how many Nick U updates we had last year? Two! And yes, you'll see more this week.... maybe. Ryan

But are you assuming that it's false?

Kind of a story as to how my first experience at KI came to be... Our family was an Americana family. We'd make one trip there a year and I absolutely loved it! The prices were low and you could bring in your own food. Not that really mattered to me... I was about 6 years old, but my family was never one to drop several hundred dollars on a true day of family fun. Anyway, one day we had my aunt over for her birthday party. My aunt isn't exactly the richest person in the world. In fact, she's been on disability for problems with her nervous system since I was little. She never had kids of her own, so she would do things with my older sister and I, such as enroll us in, and drive us to and from swimming lessons, and do things that were normally labeled as family activities at her church with her. Anyway, off my tangent: she blew out her birthday candles and said that he wish was to have nice weather the following Friday. We of course inquired about such an odd wish, which is when she announced that she was taking my sister and I to Kings Island the next Friday with the money she got as birthday gifts. I tell you what, that next week couldn't have seemed longer!! Zip ahead to the next week - we finally made what seemed to be the longest drive ever up there. Of course, the drive is only 40 minutes or so from northern KY, but it could have been a 10 hour drive as far as I was concerned. We made our way up there and walked straight back and hopped on one of the first rides I had come across at KI... Shake Rattle & Roll. I'm not going to bore you with a 15 year old trip report, but I will say that the day climaxed with my first ride on The Racer, which terrified me at the time. You see, people make their way through life only to make grand plans for themselves with only a few instances in their lives which embed them, mold them, and change the course of their lives forever.. even if they don't realize it at the time. If you want to know the true secret to the success of this site then this is what I'll tell you. That park up there in Mason creates a moment like that every singe day that it's open. If, by doing this site, I can enhance one family's experience... or even one person's experience at the park then all of the hours and pennies put into this is well worth it. That is why you see such a commitment, such a passion, and such care put into everything we do here. If we loose site of that for just one instant, I assure, you we will fail. Ryan

Everyone has a story and this is where to share yours. It's without a doubt that KI is a big part of our lives, in one form or another, so I'm asking what your earliest memories are of KI. Have you gone your whole life? What was your first ride? What did you most enjoy at KI when you were younger? Have fun! Ryan

Half truth -- you have a 264ft drop, which I believe is drop height to stopping brakes. Can anyone verify?

Charles -- You don't know how happy am I for you about the new gig. I've known Charles for about three years and he has always HATED his job... no, I mean, I THOUGHT I hated my job, but I totally bow down to how much he hated his bank job. The best of luck to you!

You guys never cease to amaze me. We're getting five awesome new shows and we're talking about logos being painted on the ground??

I can tell you what's next. KI will have an annual release which will make your tummy smile.

Spring is here: it's warm out, the birds are coming back north, and KIC user DirtySteve is dropping $400 on Reds Opening Day tickets. Most importantly, the NEW for 2007 attraction, Firehawk, is beginning to take shape! There are now over a dozen pieces of track up in their final resting place in the air waiting to be primed, painted, and enjoyed by thousands! The duel-loading station is beginning to take shape as well as the track is in place, and the roof is beginning to be created over head. Ah, but that is not all! A few days ago, Captain Nemo was able to fly his biplane over the park to get some amazing views of the park from a hawk's eye perspective. Click here to see KIC's latest Firehawk construction update! Regards, Ryan KICentral.com - The source for Kings Island!

Kings Island Announces FIVE New Shows for 2007 Ice skating, 60's review, Dora the Explorer highlight much expanded family entertainment package. Kings Island, Ohio – From incredibly cool ice skating and non-stop hot island rhythms to Dora the Explorer LIVE and twistin' the night away, Kings Island's 2007 all-new, fully expanded entertainment package has it all! Five family-friendly shows highlight the season-long program, which will have guests singing and dancing in the aisles. Dora's Sing-a-long Adventure: Dora and Boots are in search of the Big Red Chicken and need help from the young explorers in the audience. Singing and dancing is part of the fun in this highly interactive, high-spirited performance. Show opens April 21 in the Nick Theatre. Hot Island Rhythms: Summer is here to stay! Island-worthy pop songs have guests singing along, celebrating the carefree fun everyone loves about a summer vacation. Pack your bags and get ready to dance, mon. The rhythm starts April 21 on the International Street Bandstand. Endless Summer on Ice: The popular Kings Island ice show is back! Talented performers celebrate summer fun – complete with singing, popular music and dancing – all on ice. The Paramount Theatre gets frosty beginning June 9. Nicktoons Live at Five: Kids of all ages delight in getting up close and personal with their favorite Nicktoons, and there is no better way than with a high-energy meet and greet experience. The characters parade out with much fanfare to introduce a true "happy hour." Guests should prepare for many hugs and lots of smiles. The fun starts June 16 on the International Street Bandstand. Twistin' to the 60's: All hip cats are invited to a crazzzzy good time, as a full cast of talented performers belt out everyone's favorite 60's tunes. Guests should be ready to twist and shout as Kings Island celebrates summer in a peachy keen way. Opens June 23 in the International Showplace. In addition to brand-new shows, the tradition of character meet and greets and nightly fireworks continue throughout the season. Characters are located at the front gate and in Nickelodeon Universe ready to hug, dance and frolic with kids of all ages. Kings Island's innovative fireworks display lights up the night on days when the park is open until 10 p.m. or later. The all-star entertainment lineup compliments Kings Island's first flying coaster, Firehawk. Opening Memorial Day weekend, the innovative flying coaster propels willing test pilots 115 feet in the air and through five inversions at speeds of more than 50 mph – all while facing the ground, experiencing the inconceivable feeling of human flight. "This year, there is something new for everyone," said Greg Scheid, Kings Island's vice president and general manager. "The full compliment of new high-quality shows, top-notch thrills, a fantastic water park, and an award-winning kids' area, combined with very attractive ticket prices, makes 2007 a special year to visit. There is something new and unique at every turn for each and every member of the family." Kings Island opens for weekend operation Saturday, April 21. Gates open at 10 a.m. Daily operation begins Wednesday, May 23. Boomerang BayTM opens Saturday, May 26. For more information about Kings Island, guests can call the park at (800) 288-0808 or visit www.pki.com. Individual gold season passes and four-pack family passes are now on sale by calling (800) 952-PASS [7277] or online at www.pki.com. Discounted park tickets are also available when purchased in advance at Kroger, Meijer and Speedway, by calling (800) 288-0808 or online at www.pki.com.

I think this whole SOB fiasco is seens as a little embarressing to the park, so that's why it's not out there so much.

This trip may not go specifically as planned. A lot of people who were associated with the trip are stirring up much more important mixtures for you. Don't worry, we have something... we're just not ready to say yet.

The SOB area is a "no-go" area, which is why you haven't seen any photos of it on KIC yet. I'm not sure what to tell you about when you'll hear more, or what progress has been made.

Wouldn't there be signs that let guests know that the ride is being tested? Yes, but there's a word that starts with an R and ends with a D which people seems to loose the ability to do when in groups.

Nice poem! FYI - I did see someone at the drop off taking pictures yesterday...perhaps this person may have something to do with your poem? My poem would be: Not to far the Island be To the drop off I will see with camera in hand and memory pictures pictures, all for free --Mine wasn't as good Good poem, but you're dealing with KIC here... do you think we'd really bother to update with something as 'public eye-ish' as the dropoff center?

The track pieces are painted after they're up to avoid damaging the paint during construction. The ride is already broken in. In fact, even a brand new ride is pretty well broken in before anyone from the public gets to ride it. Ohio state law requires that the train be cycled hundreds of times before riders and even get on.

The newsletter will not hold back "news" from the site, but rather would supplement the information on the site. Not really breaking news, but more.. you know.. fun stuff...

The "red" coloring you're seeing is just a primer, the track will be painted the dark red color once it has been erected.

Unfortunately when dealing with a company that just spent over a billion dollars to acquire some parks, that money has to come from somewhere.

Wouldn't it be more like treating a broken arm by buying a new suit?

Dude... we're in vertical construction now. I could update once at 9am and again at noon and there would be something to see!

They're removing the loop so they can accommodate lighter trains, not necessarily with the direct intention of slowing it down. They have two completely different teams working on Firehawk and Son of Beast. Firehawk is scheduled to open Memorial Day Weekend, which was strategically planned. Their goal is to have Son of Beast open as soon as possible. Take that for what it's worth. A major complaint about Son of Beast (besides the turbulant ride) was that "all it has is a bunch of helices" which, after the ride is improved should prove to be a really great experience (ie Beast's finalie). Love the idea, but I don't think we have $100 million to fund it, Mr Disney!

Maybe they've made some progress that might excite you... maybe you'll get to see that progress pretty soon... maybe you should keep checking back to KIC... I can't believe you brought the rhyming hints back. That was so 2004. Actually, I have a new one where I rap: Come bust a move Where the games are played It's chill It's fresh It's Noah's Arcade